Basic Course: Key Concepts (Module 4.i)

Summary

• The existing uses of a water body must be protected.

• Within limitations, a State/Tribe has the discretion to allow activities that could degrade water quality to a level that protects existing uses.

• A State or Tribe's water quality standards must include an antidegradation policy and must specify both when the policy will be applied and what decision-making criteria will be used.

• A State or Tribe's antidegradation program must include criteria specific to three categories: existing uses, high quality uses, and ONRWs.

Also,

• Antidegradation policy can apply to both point and non-point source activities.

• The community and other stakeholders must be given an opportunity to provide input as part of the decision-making process regarding a particular application of the policy to a water body.

• EPA Regional Offices review both new and revised antidegradation programs developed by States and Tribes.